Introduction Lead is a toxic heavy metal with hematotoxic, neurotoxic, and nephrotoxic effects even at low concentration. Presence of heavy metals like lead in the blood and blood products while donating blood can cause adverse effects to the recipients.
Methodology In this study, we have selected 130 volunteers from the donors list obtained from Yenepoya hospital and also from in and around Mangalore. Questionnaires was given to the volunteers to get information on smoking, passive smoking at home or at the work place, duration of smoking, occupation and health status. Whole blood samples were subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and results were obtained.
Results Lead content in smokers were found to be 2–3 times higher compared to non-smokers but were in below toxic range (~5 ppm).
Conclusion There are no present protocol to screen for heavy metals like lead in the blood banks. Our findings implicate the need to screen for heavy metals while transfusing blood to elderly people, neonates and infants and avoid transfusion of blood and blood products if the lead levels are in toxic range.